ALMOST two years after it was set up, a pilot scheme designed to tackle domestic violence in Swindon is being hailed a success.

Using cash from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, two outreach workers have been employed to help those referred to them from medical professional.

One of the workers is based at the Great Western Hospital while the other works out of a number of the town’s GP surgeries.

Since starting in June 2014, dozens of people, male and female, who have suffered various forms of abuse have been helped.

“ASs time has gone on we are seeing more and more people present to the outreach workers,” said Olwen Kelly, director of Swindon Women’s Aid which is running the scheme.

“Many people do not want to open up to the police about domestic abuse because they worry it might make the situation worse, especially if there are children involved.

“But people don’t have this fear with medical professionals and having someone on site means we are able to help them straight away.”

A recent report showed in the last sixth months of the 2015/16 year, the worker base in the surgeries had 51 referrals while the one based at the GWH saw 49 people.

“It is the first time we have seen a programme like this in Swindon and we have shown there is clearly a need,” said Olwen.

“Having someone available has meant the doctors and nurses can instantly get in contact straight away.

“We can then work with the person to help them exit a relationship and stay safe.”

Part of the programme has also been about increasing awareness among medical professionals of the signs of domestic abuse and the various forms it can take.

Doctors at surgeries can look for specific injuries associated with domestic abuse while at the hospital patients who regularly can be flagged up.

Olwen said: “The medical professionals are very good at treating the results of domestic abuse but there was not the experience to spot the signs and ask the right questions.

“We have gone around the surgeries to talk to the staff and they have been very receptive which is fantastic. The results show.

“At the hospital, where we are based out of the accident and emergency department as well as having links with the maternity unit, we are now part of the furniture and it is going very well.”